Jefferson takes loss to talented Bulldogs

February 15, 2013

The only time Martinsburg's basketball team looked slow in Friday night's 73-48 win over Jefferson was when they entered and exited the gym. Throughout the entirety of the game, Martinsburg's length, athleticism and speed were on full display for the packed crowded to take in. Jefferson coach Richard Lewis also took notice saying "they're long and athletic. They're one of the best teams in the state."

At times Jefferson would attempt to claw back in the game but to no avail, as Martinsburg would create turnovers either with their full court press or staunch half court defense. Good defense leads to easy offense and this game was no different. Martinsburg had a barrage of different players score including Donte Grantham's 17 points and Jalen Lewis' 10 points, two of which came off a first half emphatic dunk. Martinsburg also had three other players, each of which helped their cause scoring 6 points each. Whether it was fast break opportunities, contested shots, or free throws, everything just seemed to go in for the Bulldogs.

Jefferson found it difficult to match Martinsburg's offensive output, especially with guard Jalen Smith sidelined with a knee injury. Michael King filled Jefferson's leading scorer role admirably, scoring 20 points for the game hitting 6 three pointers in the process. King was also assisted by Josh Dudley's 8 point output. The fanatic pace of Martinsburg's scoring output was just not going to be matched this night.

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With the win Friday night and another one three days later over Middleburg Academy, Martinsburg improves their record to 18-2 and are poised to make a deep playoff run. The loss against Martinsburg and another against Bridgeport the next day drops the Cougars record to 5-14 on the year. As for things Jefferson will look to improve upon as their season comes to an end coach Richard Lewis said, "We have to take our time and be more poised. I thought we did a good job being in the right spots, we just have to make better decisions." Jefferson's next home game is against the up and coming Washington Patriots, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m.